Why We Always Put You First, Especially When the Property Market Doesn’t
If you’ve seen the recent BBC Panorama investigation exposing unethical estate agent practices, you might be wondering: “How does this affect me as a buyer or seller? Who’s really on my side?”
At Skyline, we believe buying a home should never be about being pressured, misled, or treated like a number on someone’s sales target. It should be about fair advice, transparency, and your best interests, every time.
What did the BBC Panorama investigation find?
In case you missed it, the Panorama episode revealed that some UK estate agents have been steering buyers towards their in-house mortgage brokers, and in some cases, allegedly implying that buyers might lose out on a property if they didn’t use the agent’s preferred broker or financial services.
This practice is unethical, and in many cases, it’s misleading.
According to industry watchdogs and brokers quoted in the piece, buyers felt pressured to ditch their own trusted brokers, or were given the impression that their offer wouldn’t be considered if they didn’t play ball. Some first-time buyers even described feeling ‘bullied’....not exactly the calm, supportive experience you’d hope for when making one of life’s biggest purchases.
Why is this a problem?
Buying a home is stressful enough without feeling like you’re being bribed into using someone else’s service.
When an estate agent pushes their own mortgage adviser on you, they’re not necessarily doing it because it’s the best option for you, they’re doing it because they often earn commission for referring you internally.
The problem? You might end up:
With fewer mortgage deals to choose from
Paying a higher rate than you need to
Missing out on impartial advice that puts you first
Remember: your estate agent works for the seller, not you. But your mortgage broker should work for you, and only you.
How Skyline is different
We want you to know: Skyline does things differently. Our values are simple: integrity, trust, and transparency. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. We’re independent and whole-of-market
We’re not tied to any estate agent, lender, or bank. We look across the entire mortgage market, over 90 lenders, to find the deal that’s genuinely right for your circumstances.
Our only incentive is to get you the best outcome possible. That’s it.
2. You’re always in control
You’ll never be pressured to take a deal that doesn’t feel right. We’ll lay out all your options, explain the pros and cons in plain English, and give you the breathing space you need to make confident decisions.
3. We’re on your side from start to finish
From your first call to getting your keys (and beyond), you’ve got a trusted adviser in your corner. If we think you can get a better deal elsewhere, we’ll say so. If there are pitfalls you need to know about, we’ll flag them. We don’t do hidden fees, hidden commissions, or fluffy promises.
4. We’re here to educate, not pressure
Part of our role is to help you understand the market. We want you to feel empowered, not intimidated. If you ever feel confused, we’ll take the time to break things down, whether that’s explaining your affordability, what happens when rates move, or why some products might suit you better than others.
5. Our clients come back (and bring their friends)
So much of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals. Why? Because people trust us. When you look after people properly, they remember, and they tell others.
How you can protect yourself
Here’s our advice if you ever feel pressured by an estate agent:
Remember - you are not obliged to use their broker or solicitor.
Get an ‘Agreement in Principle’ from your own trusted broker before you start viewing.
If an agent suggests your offer will be ‘less attractive’ if you don’t use their broker, get it in writing, and report it if necessary.
Work with an independent adviser who puts you first.
Skyline: Here for you
Our promise is simple: we work for you, not for a commission target. We believe trust and integrity still matter, and they always will.
If you want honest, independent mortgage advice, we’re here. No pushy sales tactics. No hidden catches. Just experienced, friendly guidance to help you make one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence.
Ready to talk? Book a free, no-obligation online call with Tony and see why hundreds of local buyers trust Skyline to have their back.
Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The amount will depend on your circumstances.
Skyline Mortgage Consultants Limited is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Skyline Mortgage Consultants LTD is registered in England and Wales Number 8157062. Company Registered Office: Suite130, 394 Muswell Hill Broadway Muswell Hill London N10 1DJ.